Matthew 25:43

Authorized King James Version

I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ξένος

G3581

a stranger

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

ἤμην

G2252

I was

i was

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

συνηγάγετέ

G4863

to lead together, i.e., collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably)

με

G3165

γυμνὸς

G1131

naked

nude (absolute or relative, literal or figurative)

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#10

περιεβάλετέ

G4016

ye clothed

to throw all around, i.e., invest (with a palisade or with clothing)

#11

με

G3165

#12

ἀσθενὴς

G772

sick

strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral)

#13

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#14

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#15

φυλακῇ

G5438

prison

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

#16

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#17

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#18

ἐπεσκέψασθέ

G1980

ye visited

to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve

#19

με

G3165

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

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Matthew 25:43

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources